Dr. Michael Ritscher, LL.M.
Partner, Zurich
Schiffbaustrasse 2 | P.O. Box | CH-8031 Zurich | Switzerland
Schiffbaustrasse 2 | P.O. Box | CH-8031 Zurich | Switzerland
T +41 58 552 03 30
michael.ritscher@mll-legal.com
T +41 58 552 03 30
michael.ritscher@mll-legal.com
Profile
Michael Ritscher is recognised as one of the most experienced and esteemed IP litigators and arbitrators in Switzerland, and beyond. Michael Ritscher heads MLL Meyerlustenberger Lachenal Froriep AG IP group. He has extensive practise in advising and representing clients from a broad variety of sectors, including life sciences, luxury goods and retail. Michael Ritscher is often at the forefront of precedent-setting cases. He is a reference for companies which regularly seek his support to handle their cross-border contentious affairs involving Swiss, EU and international law. Michael Ritscher appears as an opinion leader in his field in client and peer feedback ratings.
Practice Areas
Industry Groups
Country Desks
Rankings & Awards
- “Michael is an outstanding practitioner with a profound knowledge of patent matters” – IAM Patent 1000, 2022
- “His theoretical know-how is paired with a fine pragmatic sense, which makes for well-balanced solutions and creative pathways to achieving his client’s objectives. Michael is among the best of the best” – IAM Patent 1000, 2022
- The “immensely experienced and business oriented” practitioner “has a deep understanding of the law and leads a fantastic IP division” – World Trademark Review, 2022
- Michael Ritscher is “among the best IP litigators” in the market and is applauded for being a “big name in patents in Switzerland” – WWL, Switzerland, Patents 2021
- Michael Ritscher has a wealth of experience in the sector and is renowned for doing “great work with pharmaceutical clients”, both nationally and internationally – WWL, Thought Leaders Switzerland, Life Sciences 2021
- Michael Ritscher “is incredibly well connected across Europe, which really helps. He is experienced, technically good and easy to work with.” – Chambers and Partners Europe, 2021
- “Michael Ritscher is highly experienced and knows everybody in the industry – other European litigators and a whole host of judges. He is easy to work with and works well with teams from other jurisdiction” – The Legal 500, 2021
- “Michael Ritscher is a senior partner in the pharma IP team. He is extremely experienced, knowledgeable and has excellent knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector. He also knows everybody!” – The Legal 500, 2020
- “A patent litigation pathfinder, Michael Ritscher has long pushed at the boundaries of IP law in the successful pursuit of wins for top companies. A repository of trust as a business adviser, he is close to his clients and provides ongoing strategic advice of vital importance.” – iam Global Leaders 2020
Deals & Cases
- Advised Hoya Surgical GmbH (well known for its development and distribution of intraocular lenses) in a patent annulment claim regarding the Swiss and Lichtenstein part of a European patent before Federal Patent Court
- Successfully represented ImplanTec GmbH (specialized in the development, manufacture and sale of artificial hip joint endoprostheses) in appeal proceedings before the Federal Supreme Court leading to a long awaited decision concerning the limitation of patents in patent infringement proceedings
- Advises and represents a leading design furniture company in all IP matters worldwide
- Represents leading pharma companies in national and international disputes
- Acts as arbitrator in a multi-billion dispute about a licensing agreement
- Represents a leading professional construction company in a cross-border patent litigation
- Is the president of INGRES, the most active and renowned Swiss IP association
- Is regularly asked by the Zurich Court of Commerce to sit as specialist judge in IP cases
Education & Admission
- Georgetown University Center of Law, LL.M. (1989)
- Admitted to the bar in Switzerland (1988)
- University of Zurich, Dr. iur. (1985)
- University of Zurich, lic. iur. (1983)
Memberships and public offices
- Judge at the Court of Commerce of the Canton of Zurich
- President of the Swiss Institute for Industrial Property Law (INGRES)
- German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (GRUR)
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- International Intellectual Property Association (AIPPI)
- American Intellectual Property Association (AIPLA)
Languages
- German
- English
- French
Publications
Publications
News Portal
Firm News
“His theoretical know-how is paired with a fine pragmatic sense, which makes for well-balanced solutions and creative pathways to achieving his client’s objectives. Michael is among the best of the best”
